This book provides a framework for analysing complex systems for which classical thermodynamics is often not applicable. Since the success of the activated process in 1970, diamond growth with simultaneous graphite etching under low pressure has often been regarded as a violation of the second law of thermodynamics. A series of nonequilibrium phase diagrams, which agree excellently with the activated diamond experi- ments, have been calculated by the author and his coworkers on the basis of reaction coupling. The book goes on to de- monstrate how these lead to a complete new systematization of modern thermodynamics.

This book introduces a new and successful concept for thermodynamics: nonequilibrium phase diagrams. This concept has been successfully applied to diamond synthesis. The book goes on to demonstrate how these diagrams lead to a complete new systematization of modern thermodynamics.

1. Classical Thermodynamics.- 2. Fundamentals of Modern Thermodynamics.- 3. High-Pressure Synthesis and Low-Pressure Vapor Growth of Diamond Seeds.- 4. Activated Low-Pressure Diamond Growth from the Vapor Phase.- 5. Reaction Coupling Model.- 6. Nonequilibrium Phase Diagrams of C-H, C-O and Other Binary Systems.- 7. Nonequilibrium Phase Diagrams of C-H-O and Other Ternary Systems.- 8. Further Discussions on Some Debates.- 9. Other Applications and Summary.- References.